Tunic & tabard
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- Item out of stock
Tunic & Tabard – Colour and Identity for Knights, Re-enactors and LARP Fighters
Hardly any other garment embodies the image of the medieval knight as directly as the tabard. Worn over a gambeson, chainmail or plate armour, it showed at a glance to whom a fighter swore allegiance – and to which order he belonged. Today, tabards and surcoats are a central element of any convincing knight’s attire, from a beginner’s costume for the next medieval market to a meticulously detailed re-enactment outfit.
Our range includes over 89 items – from simple two-tone cotton models starting at around €25 to bespoke woollen tabards for discerning re-enactors. Brands such as Battle Merchant, Vehi Mercatus, House of Warfare and Lord of Battles cater to a variety of requirements and budgets.
Tunic and tabard: what is the difference?
The two terms are often used interchangeably – and rightly so, as they essentially describe the same garment. The subtle difference lies in the decoration:
- Features heraldic symbols: embroidered or appliquéd coats of arms, crosses or order insignia
- Clear affiliation with orders (Templars, Knights of St John, Teutonic Order) or noble houses
- Often two-coloured with clearly defined symbolism
- Classic term for the heraldically detailed version
- Single-coloured or two-coloured – without specific heraldic elements
- Indicates affiliation solely through colour, not through elaborate embroidery
- More versatile, ideal for individual colour combinations
- Mi-Parti as a special form: divided vertically into two colours, known since the High Middle Ages
Mi-Parti originally referred to a garment whose left and right halves were in different colours – a visible sign of allegiance to a lord or city guild. Towards the end of the 16th century, this fashion disappeared from everyday life and survived only as an attribute of jesters. The Eckhart series in our range takes up this historical design principle.
Historical background: Where does the tunic come from?
Origins in the Crusades
Worn over chain mail, the tunic initially provided protection from the intense heat of the Orient. Early examples were plain, single-coloured linen – light, inexpensive to produce and heat-reducing. Wool would have been too warm and too heavy for this purpose.
Development into heraldic attire
With the development of chivalry and heraldry, tunics began to display the colours and coats of arms of their wearers. Orders of knights such as the Templars (white cloak with a red cross) or the Knights Hospitaller (black robes, white cross) shaped the iconography of this era, which continues to influence us today.
The height of the ‘mi-parti’ fashion
The two-colour division of garments reached its peak in the late Middle Ages. Lords and servants wore their master’s colours – the attire became a visual declaration of allegiance. At the same time, cuts became more elaborate: slits at the front, back and sides allowed for greater freedom of movement on horseback and on foot.
Re-enactment and LARP
The tunic is enjoying a renaissance at medieval markets, amongst re-enactment groups and at LARP events. Modern materials such as cotton have replaced the historical linen – offering a similar appearance but at a lower price and with easier care.
Care and durability: how to keep your tunic looking good for longer
Proper care significantly extends the life of your tunic – especially with multi-coloured and embroidered designs, it’s worth following a few simple rules.
- Cotton and linen: Machine washing at 30°C is usually fine. Make sure to turn the garment inside out to protect the colours and embroidery.
- Mi-Parti and two-tone designs: For the first wash, a cold wash (at 20–30°C) is recommended, as differently coloured sections of fabric may bleed to varying degrees. Always separate light and dark garments.
- Wool: Gentle cycle with wool detergent or hand wash. Never tumble dry – wool felts and shrinks when exposed to heat. Dry flat, do not hang.
- Suede items: Dry clean only, do not wet clean. Use a special suede cleaner for stubborn stains. Regular brushing keeps the surface looking fresh.
- Basic rule: Always follow the care instructions for the specific product – in case of doubt, these take precedence.
The main variations: Orders, colours and cuts
Knight of the Order tunics
The most popular order variants: Templars in natural/red with the familiar cross emblem, Knights of St John in black/natural with the eight-pointed cross, Teutonic Order in grey/natural or black/natural. Available in a cotton version from around €31, and as a woollen variant (Teutonic Knights) for discerning re-enactors.
Single-colour & two-colour tunics
The Eckhart series offers classic two-tone combinations such as yellow/black, black/red or natural/black – both as a standard tunic and in the Mi-Parti version with vertical colour division. Available in sizes S/M/L and XL/XXL, ideal for individual group colours or city liveries.
Suede tunics
Suede versions are available for tough LARP use – more robust than woven fabric, easier to care for than full-grain leather, yet still with an authentic look. Side slits or front/back slits ensure the necessary freedom of movement in combat, even in leather models.
Materials at a glance: cotton, wool and leather
| Material | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | LARP & Market | The most popular choice today – lightweight, easy to care for, visually similar to historical linen. Price from approx. 25 euros. |
| Wool (with linen lining) | Reenactment | Higher quality, warm, authentic feel. Often made to measure, delivery time approx. 6–8 weeks. |
| Suede (100% leather) | LARP | Very robust, do not wash in water. Ideal for intensive use. Dry clean, maintain regularly. |
Important for all variants: Tunic coats are worn over a gambeson, chainmail or plate armour. The fit must be correspondingly generous – body-hugging cuts are historically inaccurate and functionally impractical.
Buying guide: Finding the right size and fit
The tunic is not outerwear in the modern sense – it is worn over a full set of armour. Beneath it are at least an undershirt, often a gambeson, plus chainmail or plate armour. Accordingly, the cut is generally loose-fitting. A tight-fitting tunic would be just as impractical on the battlefield as it would be at a medieval market.
Always take your measurements in full armour – that is, over a gambeson, chainmail or the thickest garment you wear underneath. Measure your chest circumference, hip circumference and the desired length of the tunic. Then compare these with the size chart in the relevant product description. For made-to-measure woollen models, a measurement chart will be sent by email after you place your order.
Most models are available in two sizes: S/M/L and XL/XXL cover the majority of wearers. Some variants – particularly Order of Knights models – are also offered as one-size-fits-all. Bespoke woollen models can be individually tailored and offer the most precise fit.
For made-to-measure woollen tunics, you should allow for a delivery time of approx. 6–8 weeks. These models are made individually to your measurements – please allow plenty of time before a market or event. Cotton models and suede variants are usually available for immediate delivery.
From the two-tone cotton version for your first medieval market to the historically inspired Teutonic Knight’s wool tabard – here you’ll find the perfect piece for your knight’s attire. Browse through the range and add colour and character to your outfit with the right tabard.
Frequently asked questions
Both terms refer to the same garment that knights wore over their armour. The tabard features heraldic symbols – that is, embroidered or appliquéd coats of arms, crosses or order insignia. A tunic, on the other hand, is single-coloured or two-coloured without specific heraldry. The distinction is fluid: two colours alone do not make a tabard.
Tunics are worn over a gambeson, chainmail or plate armour – never directly on the body. Therefore, always take your measurements whilst fully kitted out. Most models are available in double sizes (S/M/L and XL/XXL) or as one size fits all. For made-to-measure woollen versions, a measurement chart will be sent after you place your order.
Bespoke woollen tunics are made to order – delivery takes approx. 6–8 weeks. Cotton models and suede versions, on the other hand, are usually available immediately and are delivered within the standard dispatch time. Please allow plenty of time for bespoke items before an event.
Mi-Parti is a medieval design style in which a garment is divided vertically into two different colours – the left half in one colour, the right in another. This style was widespread in the High and Late Middle Ages and indicated the wearer’s allegiance to a lord or a town. The Eckhart range offers Mi-Parti tunics in various colour combinations.
Cotton and linen versions can usually be machine-washed at 30°C. For two-tone and Mi-Parti models, we recommend a cold wash the first time to prevent colour bleeding. Wool models should be washed on a gentle cycle or by hand – never in the tumble dryer. Suede tunics must not be wet cleaned.